The art of sewing quilted fabric holds a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or a novice with a budding passion for textile crafts, it’s a journey that can lead to truly remarkable results. There’s something inherently magical about transforming simple pieces of fabric into a warm, textured quilt.
And when it comes to a fabric like the Christmas Snowflakes Polar Fleece, the allure is even greater. This isn’t just about sewing; it’s about infusing your work with the spirit of the season, bringing a touch of cozy charm to any space. So, before you dive headfirst into the process, let’s set the stage and explore what makes working with quilted fabric such an exciting adventure. Let’s learn how to sew quilted fabric.
What is Quilted Fabric？
Quilt fabric, usually 100% cotton, is crucial for making quilt tops and backs. Price differences often result from factors like thread count, cotton fiber staple length, weave, printing quality, and finishing.
A quilt comprises three layers: a top pieced together in a pleasing pattern, a solid bottom layer, and a central layer of batting. These layers are basted and quilted by hand or machine to prevent shifting.
The quilting industry has expanded rapidly, offering a wide range of quilting cotton with diverse patterns and colors, often hand-dyed by artisans.
While cotton scraps are traditional, modern quilters use various fabrics as long as they are tightly woven enough to cover the batting and be secured by stitching.
Which Fabrics Are Suitable as Sew Quilted Fabric？
When it comes to selecting fabrics for quilting, it’s essential to choose ones that not only look great but also lend themselves well to the quilting process. Here are some fabrics that are particularly suitable for sewing quilted fabric:
Cotton is a popular choice for quilting due to its versatility, durability, and ease of stitching. It comes in a wide range of colors and prints, making it suitable for various quilting projects.
Linen:
Linen fabric offers a natural texture and breathability, making it an excellent choice for quilts intended for warmer climates. It drapes beautifully and adds a rustic charm to quilted creations.
Batik:
Batik fabrics are hand-dyed or stamped with intricate patterns, resulting in vibrant designs that add visual interest to quilts. They are often made from cotton and feature a unique wax-resistant dyeing technique.
Flannel fabrics are known for their softness and warmth, making them ideal for cozy quilts, especially those intended for colder weather. They come in a variety of colors and prints, adding a touch of comfort to quilted projects.
Voile:
Voile is a lightweight and semi-sheer fabric that adds an ethereal quality to quilts. It drapes beautifully and is often used for creating delicate quilt tops or adding a layer of elegance to quilted creations.
Quilting Cotton:
Specifically designed for quilting, quilting cotton is a tightly woven fabric that offers stability and ease of handling. It comes in a wide range of colors and prints, making it suitable for quilts of all styles and designs.
Wool:
Wool fabric adds warmth and texture to quilts, making it ideal for projects that require extra coziness. It can be used as a batting or incorporated into quilt tops for added softness and dimension.
Silk:
Silk fabric adds a touch of luxury and elegance to quilts, making it perfect for special occasions or decorative quilted projects. It drapes beautifully and offers a smooth surface for intricate stitching and embellishments.
Upholstery Fabric:
Upholstery fabrics are often durable and come in a variety of textures and designs, making them suitable for adding visual interest and texture to quilted creations, such as wall hangings or decorative throws.
Organza:
Organza is a lightweight and sheer fabric that adds a delicate touch to quilts. It can be used as an overlay or appliqué fabric to create ethereal designs that shimmer in the light.
When selecting fabrics for quilting, consider the intended use of the quilt, the desired aesthetic, and the techniques you plan to use. Experiment with different fabrics to discover unique combinations and textures that bring your quilted creations to life.
Which Sewing Needle is Best for Pre-Quilted Fabric?
Universal Needle:
A universal needle is a versatile option that works well with a wide range of fabrics, including pre-quilted fabric. It has a slightly rounded point that helps penetrate the fabric without causing snags or skips in the stitching.
Quilting Needle:
Quilting needles are specifically designed for quilting projects and are ideal for sewing through multiple layers of fabric, including pre-quilted fabric. They have a tapered point that allows for precise stitching and helps prevent puckering or distortion of the fabric.
Microtex Needle:
Microtex needles are ultra-sharp and have a thin, tapered point that is perfect for sewing through densely quilted fabric. They create precise stitches and minimize damage to the fabric, making them an excellent choice for intricate quilting projects.
Denim Needle:
Denim needles are designed for sewing through thick, heavy fabrics, making them suitable for pre-quilted fabric that may have multiple layers or added batting. They have a reinforced shaft and a sharp point that can penetrate even the toughest materials with ease.
Embroidery Needle:
If your pre-quilted fabric features decorative stitching or embellishments, an embroidery needle may be the best choice. These needles have a larger eye to accommodate thicker threads and decorative yarns, allowing you to add intricate embroidery details to your quilted fabric.
Ballpoint Needle:
If your pre-quilted fabric is made from knit or stretchy material, such as quilted jersey or fleece, a ballpoint needle may be the best option. These needles have a rounded tip that slips between the fabric fibers without causing damage, making them ideal for sewing stretch fabrics without causing puckering or distortion.
How to Sew Quilted Fabric Steps？
Step 1:
Basic Quilting Definitions Learn the basics of quilting terminology like backing, batting, bias tape, binding, blocks, piecing, quilt sandwich, quilt top, quilting, seam allowance, and squares.
Step 2:
Gather Your Tools Collect the necessary tools including a rotary cutter, clear rulers, bias tape maker, clear nylon thread, white cotton thread, cotton fabric, long pins, iron, batting, seam ripper, thread trash bin, and walking foot for your sewing machine.
Step 3:
Set Up Your Workspace Prepare a spacious and organized workspace with a large table or an ironing board to comfortably work on. Keep your tools and materials easily accessible.
Step 4:
Understand Quilt Anatomy Understand the layout and composition of a 9-square quilt, which typically consists of 6 blocks wide and 8 blocks long, each block comprising nine squares of contrasting fabric.
Step 5:
Choose Your Fabric Select the appropriate 100% cotton fabric for your quilt. Consider options like quilting cotton, remnant bins, or repurposing old clothes. Calculate the amount of fabric needed based on the size of your quilt.
Step 6:
Decide on Batting Choose the type of batting based on your preference for cotton, polyester, or wool. Consider factors like warmth, washability, and ease of use. Select a size suitable for your quilt.
Step 7:
Select Backing Fabric Pick a flat sheet of appropriate size for the backing fabric, preferably in a neutral color like white. Look for affordable options in thrift stores or clearance racks.
Step 8:
Cut Your Squares Use a rotary cutter and mat to cut fabric into 4×4 inch squares. Ensure precise cutting for accurate piecing later on.
Step 9:
Plan Color Combinations Plan color and pattern combinations for your blocks, ensuring a balance between solids and patterns. Experiment with different combinations to achieve your desired aesthetic.
Step 10:
Assemble Blocks and Quilt Top Sew squares together into rows and then assemble the rows to create blocks. Sew blocks together to form the quilt top, ensuring accurate seam allowances and alignment.
FAQs
What is the quilted fabric?
Quilted fabric is a type of fabric that consists of three layers: a top pieced together in a pleasing pattern, a solid bottom layer, and a central layer of batting. These layers are basted and quilted by hand or machine to prevent shifting.
What fabrics are suitable for sewing quilted fabric?
Cotton, linen, batik, flannel, voile, quilting cotton, wool, silk, upholstery fabric, and organza are all suitable fabrics for sewing quilted fabric. Each offers unique qualities that contribute to the overall look and feel of the quilt.
Which sewing needle is best for pre-quilted fabric?
Universal needles, quilting needles, microtex needles, denim needles, embroidery needles, and ballpoint needles are all suitable options for sewing pre-quilted fabric. The choice depends on the thickness and texture of the fabric.
What are the essential steps for sewing quilted fabric?
The essential steps for sewing quilted fabric include understanding basic quilting terminology, gathering the necessary tools, setting up your workspace, selecting fabric and batting, planning color combinations, assembling blocks and quilt top, and finally quilting and finishing the project.
How long does it take to sew quilted fabric?
The time it takes to sew quilted fabric varies depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the project, your level of experience, and the techniques used. On average, a quilted fabric project can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete.
Conclusion
Sewing quilted fabric is a delightful skill that blends creativity and precision. With the right materials and tools, anyone can embark on this rewarding journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, quilting offers endless opportunities to express yourself and create something beautiful. So gather your supplies, set up your workspace, and let your imagination soar as you stitch your way to stunning quilted creations!
